US992294A - Motor-starter or electric-circuit controller. - Google Patents

Description

I G. G. THOMPSON. MOTOR STARTER 0E ELECTRIC GIRGUIT CONTROLLER.

APPLICATION FILED DEG.31,1910.

Patented May 16, 1911.

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anil ne mes attozwu l 9. 9. THOMPSON. MOTOR STARTER 0R ELECTRIC GIRGUIT CONTROLLER.

APPLIUATTON FILED DEC. 31, 1910.

Patented May 16, 1911.

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G. THOMPSON. MOTOR STARTER 0R ELECTRIC 0111mm? CONTROLLER.

' APPLICATION FILED DEC. 31. 1910. 992,294, Patented May-16,1911

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GEORGE G. THOMPSON, OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR '10 AMERICAN ELECTRIC FUSE COMPANY, OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN.

MOTOR-STARTER R ELECTRIC-CIRCUIT CONTROLLER.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE G. THOMPSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Muskegon, Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Motor- Starters or Electric-Circuit Controllers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in motor starters or electric circuit controllers.

The main object of this invention is to provide animproved motor starter or electric circuit controller which is very simple and economical in structure, very durable and one'whi ch is not likely to get out of re:

pair in use.

Further objects, and objects relating to structural details, will definitely appear from the, detailed description to follow.

. I accomplish the objects of my invention following specification.

Theg'invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure which is apreferred embodiment of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming 'a part of this invention, in which:

Figure I is a front view of a motor starter embodying the features of my invention. Fig. II is a side view looking from the right of Fig. I, parts being in section and other parts broken away to better show the structural details, the section parts being on a central longitudinal line. Fig. III is an inside view, partially in section, on a line corresponding to line 33 of Fig. II, parts being broken away to better show structural details. Fig. IV is an enlarged detail, partially in section, on a. line corresponding to line 4: l of Fig. III. Fig. V is a diagranr.

Specification of Letters Patent.

by the devices and means described in the Patented May 16, 1911.

Application filed December 31, 1910. Serial No. 600,308.

of insulating material, as the necessity of otherwise. insulating the parts mounted thereon is avoided. Terminal couplings 5, 6 and 7, for the line shunt field and controlled circuit wires, are mounted on the top plate, as shown in Fig. I. The control lever 8 is mounted on the bearing plate 9, the shaft 10 for the lever being arranged through the plate 3. The plate 9 is electrically connected to the line circuit terminal 5, as by means of the strap-11.

The structure illustrated is provided with a pair of resistance elements, comprising resistance medium disks '12 and tubular containers 13 therefor. These containers are formed of'quartz, porcelain, lava or any fictilematerial' having high heatresisting and insulatingqualities. I prefer, however, a special form of porcelain having high heat resisting qualities. These containers are rigidly supported by means of the brackets 14:, having cylindrical studs 15 projecting into the inner ends of the containers, as shown in Fig. III, the inner ends of the containers being shouldered against the brackets. supported 'by a yoke-like bar 16, which is mounted on the bolts 17 depending from the supporting plate 3. These bolts are also preferably adapted to secure the plate 9, the bolts being provided with] plate clamping nuts 18 and with bar supporting nuts 19. The brackets 14 are supported by bolts 20 and 21, arranged through the supporting plate. The bolt 20 is als'oadapted to secure the starting plate 22 and to form an electrical connection for the starting plate to the bracket, and through" it to the resistance medium.

The lever 8 is provided with a contact spring 23, which coacts with the'starting plate andwith the/bolt 21, which is adapted to serve as a lever contact member for the controlled circuit, it being electrically connected by the strap 2-1 to the controller circuit terminal coupling 7 A magnet 25 for retaining the lever in its closed or on position is pro vided. This magnet is commonly designated in' structures of this type as a voltage release magnet. The lever 8 is provided with an armature 26. The magnet 25 is electrically connected as through the strap 27 to the starting plate 22, and also The outer ends of the containers are to the shunt field circuit terminal (3, as clearlyappears in Fig. I. The lever, in its open or off position, rests against the stop 28. The lever is returned to its open or off position by means of the coiled spring 29, whichis wound about the shaft 10 of the lever, one end being connected to the supporting plate 8, and the other to the lever, as clearly appears in Fig. IV. When the lever is released by the deenergizing of the magnet 25, this spring carries it back to its off position. The spring may be omitted and the device supported with the left hand side of Fig. I downward, so that the weight of the lever returns it to its off position. This lever 8 is also adapted to apply pressure to the resistance medium disks, the connections consisting of the equalizer bar 30, having contact ends 31 projecting into the containers to engage the outer disksitherein. The bar, in the structure illustrated, is adapted t serve as an electrical connection for the two resistance elements, thus connecting them in series.

A link 32 is eccentrically connected to the lever, which is provided with a crank pin 38. The link is slidably arranged through the equalizer bar pivot member 3 1. On the outer end of the link is a spring 35, one end of the spring engaging the pivot member and its outer end resting against the retaining nut 36. IVhen the lever is shifted to its on position, the equalizer bar is lifted to compress the resistance medium, gradually cutting out the resistance as the resistance medium is compressed.

When the lever contact member 23 engages with the starting plate, the current flows from the line circuit through the lever, the starting plate, the first resistance element, the equalizer bar and the second resistance element to the controlled circuit, the

resistance being gradually cut out or reduced as the resistance medium is compressed. Vhen the lever is in its completely closed or on position, it engages the contact member 21, and the current flows directly through the lever and this contact member to the controlled circuit, the shunt current flowing through the magnet, the starting plate and the resistance elements. In the event of a cessation of the current, the magnet 25 is decnergized and the lever opens, and the current is entirely cut off until the starter is again operated.

The containers 13 are preferably formed of porcelain, as stated, on account of the insulating and heat resisting qualities thereof, and on account of the economy With which they may be produced.

The means for applying pressure to the resistance medium is arranged so that the containers are not subjected to lateral strains. This is of importance, as otherwise frequent renewals might be required. The

resistance elements are connected in series and by the equalizer bar, equalized pressure is delivered thereto. I have, in my accompanying drawing, shown only a pair of resistance elements or units, but these can be multiplied as occasion requires, the means for applying pressure being modified to meet the requirements.

I have illustrated and described my improvements in details in a simple embodiment. I am aware, however, that the same is capable of considerable variations without departing from my invention and I desire to be understood as claiming the same specifically in the form illustrated, as well as broadly within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an electric current controller, the combination with a supporting plate, of a pair of resistance elements comprising piles or columns of resistance medium disks and tubular containers therefor; a control lever mounted on the outer side of said plate and electrically connected with the line circuit; a starting plate arranged on the outer side of said supporting plate to coact with said control lever; means for supporting said resistance element containers on the inner side of said supporting plate comprising a yoke-like supporting bar for their outer ends and brackets having studs projecting into their inner ends, said brackets being supported by bolts arranged through said supporting plate, the bolt for the bracket of cuit; an equalizer bar having its ends projecting into said containers to engage the disks therein, said equalizer bar being adapted to serve as an electrical connection for the resistance elements; a link eccentrically connected to said lever; a pivot member for said bar through which said link is slidably arranged; and a pressure spring arranged on the outer end of said link to engage the said pivot member.

2. In an' electric current controller, the combination with a supporting plate, of a pair of resistance elements comprising piles or columns of resistance medium disks and tubular containers therefor; a control lever mounted on the outer side of said plate and electrically connected with the line circuit; a starting plate arranged on the outer side of said supporting plate to coact with said control lever; means for supporting said resistance element containers on the inner side of said supporting plate comprising a yoke-like supporting bar for their outer ends and brackets having studs projecting int-0' their inner ends, said brackets being supported by bolts arranged through said supporting plate, the bolt for the bracket of the first resistance element being adapted to projecting into said containers toengage the disks therein, said equalizer bar being adapted to serve as an electrical connection for the resistance elements; and connections for said equalizer bar to said lever.

3. In an electric current controller, the combination With'a supporting plate, of a pair of resistance elements comprising pilesor columns of resistance medium disks and tubularcontainers therefor; a controllever mounted on the outer side of said plate and electrically connected wit-h the line circuit; a starting plate arranged on the outer side of said supporting plate to coact with said control lever; means for supporting said resistance element containers on the inner side of said supporting plate; a magnet for said lever electrically connected to said starting plateand the field shunt'circuit; an equal-- izer bar having its ends projecting into said containers to engage the disks therein, said equalizer bar being adapted to serve as. an electrical connection for the resistance ele ments; a link eccentrically connected to said lever; a pivot member for said bar through which said link is slidably arranged; and a pressure spring arranged on the outer end ofsaid' link to engage the said pivot member.

4. In an electric current controller, the

combination with a supporting plate,-of a pair [of resistance element-s comprising piles or columns of resistance medium dlsksand tubular containers therefor; a control lever "saidacontainers to engage the disks therein, 1

said'equalizer bar being adapted to serve as an electrical connection for the resistance elements; and connections for said equalizer bar to said lever.

5. In an electric current controller, the combination with a supporting plate, of a pair of resistance elements comprising piles or; columns of resistance medium disks and tubular'containers therefor; a control lever mounted on the outer side of said plate and electrically connected with the line circuit; a starting plate arranged on the outerside of said supporting plate to coact with said control lever; means for rigidly supporting said resistance element containers on the inner side of said supporting plate comprising a yoke-like supporting bar for "their outer ends and brackets having studs projecting into their inner. ends, said brackets being supported by bolts arranged through said supporting plate, the bolt for the bracket of the first resistance element being adapted to serve as a securing member for saidstarting plate and to form electrical connections therefor to the bracket, the bolt for the other bracket being connected to the controlled circuit and adapted to serve as a contact member for'said control lever; means for compressing said resistance medium co-mprising an equalizer bar, a link eccentrically connected to said lever, a pivot member for said bar through which said link is slidably arranged, and a pressure spring arranged on theouter end of said link to engage the said pivot member.

6. In an electric current. controller, the combination with a supporting plate, of a pair of resistance elements comprising piles or columns of resistance medium disks and tubular containers therefor; a control lever mounted on the outer side of said plate and electrically connected with the line circuit; a starting plate arranged on the outer side of said supporting plate to coact with said control lever; means for rigidly supporting said resistance element containers on the innor side of said supporting plate comprising a yoke-like supporting bar for their outer ends and brackets having studs project-ing into their inner ends, said brackets being supported by bolts arranged through said supporting'plate,the bolt for the bracket of the first resistance element being adapted to serve as a securing member for said starting plate and to form an electrical connection therefor to the bracket, the bolt for the other bracket being connected to the controlled circnit and adapted to serve as a contact me nber for said control lever; means for com pressing said resistance medium comprising an equalizer bar, and connections for ;said bar to said lever. g

7. In an electric current controller, the

combinationwith a supporting plate, of a pair of resistance elements comprising piles or columns of resistance medium disks and tubular containers therefor; a control lever mounted on the outer side of said plate and electrically connected with the linec'ircuit; a starting plate arranged on the outer side of said supporting plate to coact with said control lejver; means for rigidly supporting said resistance elementcontainers on the inner side of said supporting plate comprising a yoke-like supporting bar for the outer ends and brackets having studs projecting into their inner ends, said brackets being supported by bolts arranged through said supporting plate, the bolt for the bracket of the first resistance element being adapted to serve as a'securing member for said starting plate and to form an electrical connection therefor to the bracket, the bolt for the other bracket being connected to the controlled circuit and adapted to serve as a contact member for said control lever; a magnet for said lever electrically connected to said starting plate and the shunt field circuit; means for compressing said resistance medium comprising an equalizer bar, and connections for said bar to said lever.

8. In an electric current controller, the combination with a supporting plate, of a pair of resistance elements comprising piles or columns of resistance medium disksand tubular porcelain containers therefor; a control lever mounted on the outer side of said plate and electrically connected with the line circuit; a starting plate arranged on the outer side of said supporting plate to coact with said control lever;means for rigidly supporting said resistance element containers on the inner side of said sup porting plate; a magnet for said lever electrically connected to said starting plate and the shunt field circuit; means for compressmg said resistance medium comprising an equalizer bar, and connections for said bar to said lever. 1

9.- In an electric current controller, the combination with a supporting plate, of a pairof resistance elements comprising piles or columns of resistance medium disks and tubular porcelain containers therefor; a control lever mounted on the outer side of said plate and electrically connected with the line circuit; a starting plate arranged on the outerside of said supporting plate to coact with said control lever; and means for rigidly' supporting said resistance element containers on the inner side of said supporting plate comprising a yoke-like supporting bar for the outer ends and brackets having studs projecting into their inner ends, said brackets being supported by bolts arranged through said supporting plate, the bolt 'for the bracket of the first resistance element being adapted to serve as a securing member for said starting plate and to form an nected to the controlled circuit and adapted to serve as a contact member for said control lever.

10. In an electric current controller, the combination with a supporting plate, of a pair of resistance elements comprising piles or columns of resistance medium disks and tubular porcelain containers therefor; a control lever mounted on the outer side of said plate and electrically connected with the line circuit; a starting plate arranged on the outer side of said supporting plate to coact with said control lever; means for rigidly supporting said resistance element containers on the inner side of said supporting plate comprising brackets having diskcontact members thereon, said brackets being supported by bolts arranged through said supporting plate, the bolt for the bracket of the first resistance element being adapted to serve as a securing member for said starting plate and to form an electrical connection therefor to the bracket, the bolt for the other bracket being connected to the controlled circuit and adapted to serve as a contact member for said control lever;

means for compressing the resistance medium comprising an equalized bar; and connections for said bar to said lever.

11. In an electric current controller, the combination with a supporting plate, of a pair of resistance elements comprising piles or columns of resistance medium disks and tubular porcelain containers therefor; a control lever mounted on the outer side of said plate and electrically connected with the line cicu'it; a starting plate arranged on the outer side of saidsupporting plate to coact with said control lever; means for rigidly supporting said resistance element containers on the inner side of said supporting plate comprising brackets having disk contact members thereon, said brackets being supported by bolts arranged through said supporting plate, the bolt for the bracket of thefirst resistance element being adapted to serve as a securing member for said starting plate and to form an electrical connection therefor'to the controlled circuit and adapted to serve as a contact member for said control lever; and meansfor compressing the resistance medium.

12. In an electric current controller, the combination with a supporting plate, of a pair of resistance elements comprising piles or columns of resistancemedium disks and tubular containers therefor; a control lever mounted on the outer side of said plate and electrically connectedwith the line circuit; a starting plate arranged on the outer side of said supporting plate to coactwith said control lever; means for rigidly supporting said resistance element containers on the inplate and electrically connected with the line circuit; a starting plate arranged on the outer side of said supporting plate to coact with said control lever; means for rigidly supporting said resistance element containers on the-inner side. of said'supporting plate; and means for compressing the resistance medium.

14. In an electric current controller, the combination of a pair of resistance elements comprising piles or columns of resistance medium disks and supports therefor; and means for applying pressure to said resistance medium disks comprising an equalizer bar having its ends projecting into said containers to engage the disks therein; a lever; a link eccentrically connected to said lever; a pivot member for said bar through which said link is slidably arranged; and a pressure spring arranged on the outer end of said link to engage said pivot member.

15. In an electric current controller, the combination of a pair of resistanceelements comprising piles or columns .of resistance medium disks and supports therefor; means for applying pressure to said resistance medium disks comprising an equalizer bar, a

lever, a link eccentrically connected to said lever, a pivot member for said bar through which said link is slidably arranged, and a pressure spring arranged on the outer end of said link to engage said pivot member.

16. In an electric current controller, the

' combination of a plurality of resistance elements connected in series, comprising piles or columns of resistance medium disks and supports therefor; a control lever electrically connected with the line circuit; a starting plate arranged tocoact with said control lever electrically connected with the first of said'resistan'ce elements, the last element ;being electrically connected to the controlled circuit; a controlled circuit contact for said lever; a magnet for said lever electrically connected with said starting plate and with a field circuit; and means actuatedthrough said control lever for applying equalized pressure to said resistance medium. l

' 17. In an electric current controller, the combination of aplurality of resistance elsmen-ts-connected in series, so that the current passes through them successively, coinprising piles or'colums of resistance medium disks and supports therefor; a control lever electrically connected with the line circuit;

a starting plate arranged to coact with said control lever electrically connected with the first of said resistance elements, the last ele ment being electrically connected to the controlled circuit; a controlled circuit contact for said lever; and means actuated through said control lever for applying equalized pressure to said resistance medium.

18. In an electric current controller, the combination with a supporting plate, of resistance elements comprising piles or columns of resistance medium, disks and supports therefor; a control lever mounted on the outer side of said plate and electrically connected with the line circuit; a starting plate arrangedpn the outer side of said supporting plate to coact with said control lever; means for supporting said resistance element supports on the inner side of said supporting plate; and meansfor compressing the resistance medium, said resistance elements being connected in series, the first being electrically connected to said starting plate and the last being electrically connected to the controlled circuit.

19. In an electric current'controller, the combination of a pair of resistance elements comprising piles or columns of resistance disks and supports therefor; means for applying pressure to said resistance medium disks comprising an equalizer bar, a control lever, a link connected to said lever, and a pivot member for said bar to which said link is connected. I

20. In an electric current controller, the combination of a pair of resistance elements connected in series so that the current passes through them successively, comprising piles or columns/of resistance medium disks and supports therefor, a control lever electrically connected to the line circuit, a starting plate electrically connected with the first element, the last element being connected to the controlled-circuit, and means for applying equalized pressure to said resistance element comprising an equalizer bar actuated by said control lever.

-21. In an electriccurrent controller, the combination of a pair of resistance elements connected in series so that the current passes through them successively, comprising piles or columns of resistance medium disks and supports therefor, a control lever electrically connected to the line circuit, a starting plate electrically connected with the first element,

the last element being connected to the con- 1 trolled circuit, a controlled circuit contact for said lever, and means for applylng equalized pressure to said resistance medium disks actuated by said control lever.

22- In an electric current controller, the

fitting their inner ends; a yoke like supporting bar for their outer ends; and means for applying pressure to said resistance medium disks comprising a lever, an equalizer bar acting on said resistance medium disks, and a link connecting said bar to said lever.

28. In an electric current controller, the combination With the supporting plate, of a pair of resistance medium elements comprising resistance medium disks and tubular containers therefor; means for rigidly supporting said resistance element containers comprising brackets having studs projecting into their inner ends and means for applying pressure to said resistance medium disks comprising an equalizer bar having contact ends projecting into the containers to engage the disks therein.

' 2-i. 1n an electric current controller, the combination with the supporting plate, of a pair of resistance-elements comprising piles or columns of resistance medium disks and supports therefor; a control lever mounted on the outer side of said plate and electrically connected to the line circuit; a starting plate arranged on the outer side of said supporting plate to coact With said control lever; means for supporting said resistance medium disk supports comprising brackets supported by bolts arranged through said starting plate, the belt for the bracket of the first resistance element being adapted to serve as a seeming member for said starting plate and to form an electrical connection to the bracket, the bolt for the other bracket being connected to the controlled circuit and adapted to serve as a contact member for the control lever; and mains actuated by said lever for applying pressure to said resistance medium disks.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE G. THOMPSON.

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